The Mint Jam

Kevin Kanner

By the age of 15 he was under the tutelage of the great Jeff Hamilton, who become a serious mentor and musical father figure to him. At age 20, Kevin was the first drummer to ever receive the Los Angeles Jazz Society Shelly Manne new talent award. An award given out by Flip Manne, Shelly's widow. That same year Kevin was invited to perform at the Hollywood bowl in a 4 generations of jazz drumming, along with Jazz drumming legends, Billy Higgins, Louie Bellson, Jeff Hamilton, and fellow youngster, Marco Minnegan.

Kevin was an integral part of Lionel Hampton Jazz festival as an 7year long member of its "All Star Rhythm Section", which Includes Bassist Ben Williams, Pianist Josh Nelson and Guitarist Graham Dechter. Kevin was also on faculty at Port Townsend jazz festival @ Centrum.